Universal Pictures now available to re-download on Apple's iCloud

Movies from Universal Pictures purchased on iTunes can now be re-downloaded through the iCloud service, leaving just one major studio, Fox, that is not a part of iCloud.

Universal and Fox were initially absent from iCloud as a result of content deals with premium cable network HBO, though those issues were resolved last month. Universal Pictures films became available this weekend on iCloud, and users who have previously purchased the films from iTunes can re-download them at no cost.

While Universal's films are now available through iCloud, customers looking to re-download 20th Century Fox must still wait for that content, even though HBO was said last month to have reached an agreement. The Wall Street Journal said at the time that Fox expected to have its content on iCloud "within weeks," suggesting it may not be a much longer wait.

In March, Apple began offering users the ability to re-download movies that were previously purchased on iTunes via its iCloud service. The service even applies to the iTunes Digital Copy format, which gives users the ability to download a digital version of a film when they buy a DVD or Blu-ray disc.

The iTunes in the Cloud functionality in iCloud originally only applied to music, books and applications purchased through the iTunes Store. Now, users can access both movies and TV shows as well, from participating studios.

In addition, television content is available in high-definition 1080p format, allowing it to be natively displayed on the new Apple TV. Previously, content maxed out at 720p, which was the highest resolution output of the previous generation Apple TV.

The more the merrier. At least digital downloads of music and movies fill a gap and are something consumers seem to want, despite the price and despite no resale value to the consumer. DVDs and BDs will be around for a while, but so will digital-only.

Years ago, it seemed that CDs and DVDs replaced audiotapes and VHS tapes overnight. I suspect we are about to see another paradigm shift right about....now!

Memory plays tricks on us. I remember the long flirtation with those big-assed laser-discs, watching them languish in their small region at the Blockbusters, then watching the slow march of VHS shelves converting over to DVD shelves and somewhere along the way the laser-disc disappearing. And now, Blu-Ray. I've had Blu-Rays ever since the PS3 first came out. How many years was that? The download paradigm has been going on for some time. Nothing this big happens overnight. It's just that afterwards we sometimes act like it did.

Apple needs to get with program and offer a flat rate monthly or yearly like Netflix, Amazon and Sony does- unlimited access to as much as u want. And license this iTunes service out finally across other platforms. This rental on iTunes piece by piece model only on Apple hardware is both ridiculous and antiquated as is the closed wall of availability. Cook will fix this misguided iTunes model we now have. There is no reason why iTunes shouldn't be on a Xbox or Sony Bluray player. And their streaming services are great - Amazon and Sony that is. Netflix too.

Memory plays tricks on us. I remember the long flirtation with those big-assed laser-discs, watching them languish in their small region at the Blockbusters, then watching the slow march of VHS shelves converting over to DVD shelves and somewhere along the way the laser-disc disappearing. And now, Blu-Ray. I've had Blu-Rays ever since the PS3 first came out. How many years was that? The download paradigm has been going on for some time. Nothing this big happens overnight. It's just that afterwards we sometimes act like it did.